tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89047373217496192482017-08-16T15:28:21.930-06:00Reeder CommonsThis is our family's "Commonplace Book."
A place where we record and share what we are currently thinking, studying, and learning.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080774255436352404noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-8496562616999317222017-07-01T19:51:00.000-06:002017-07-01T19:57:12.867-06:00How I Got Started Investing in Real EstateI've been interested in investing in Real Estate for quite a few years, but was held back because I felt like I didn't have enough money on hand and didn't have someone to walk me through the process to make sure I didn't do something stupid. &nbsp;So I kept putting it off until 2014 when my wife, Kim, started talking with someone at <a href="https://dfy-realestate.com/" target="_blank">Done For You Real Estate USA</a>. &nbsp;They were offering a free book the owner had written called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Strait-Path-Real-Estate-Wealth/dp/0984302603" target="_blank">The Straight Path to Real Estate</a>. &nbsp;I read through it and was excited about how he had been able to become financially free in just a few years though real estate.<br /><br />I found out that the company's strategy is to teach you how to do real estate and even provide a mentor to walk you through the whole process of buying a rental and getting it rented out. &nbsp;They've also done the research to find out which markets in the US are good for generating cash flow and which markets are solid and expecting to grow in value over the next few years. &nbsp;At first I was only interested in buying locally since it seemed so risky to buy out of state and not be able to check in on the property. &nbsp;I could also make a bit more money by not using a property manager. &nbsp;Eventually, though, I realized that I wanted the real estate to act as an investment rather than a side job. &nbsp;I didn't really want to be called in the middle of the night or during work about something that needed to be fixed. &nbsp;Also, the deals in my local market didn't look as good.<br /><br />It was also through them that I realized I wasn't as money poor as I told myself I was. &nbsp;I didn't really have much money in my bank savings account, but I did have equity in the house I was living in and I had money in my 401k. &nbsp;I work at HP, Inc. and my 401k is through them, so I can't just take the money out but they will let me take loans out from myself (up to $50,000 or 50%, whichever is less. &nbsp;The interest I pay to myself goes back to my 401k account). &nbsp;About this time we were thinking about buying a new home, so after checking I found out I could take out a 30 year loan from myself as the down payment on the new home. &nbsp;Then when I sold my current house, I could use the equity from that to use as a down payment on a rental.<br /><br />So the two things holding me back (lack of money and lack of a real estate mentor) were no longer a problem. &nbsp;After moving to a new home and selling our current home, I had $40,000 for a down payment on a rental. &nbsp;We found one in Memphis, TN (a cash flow market) that would cash flow about $270/month and bought it. &nbsp;Shortly after, the property managers had a tenant lined up with a 3 year lease and $100 higher rent than anticipated, so we would cash flow $370/month. &nbsp;I'm all for higher rent and a 3 year lease so I don't have to worry about them moving out after a year!<br /><br />Two years later the monthly checks keep coming in. &nbsp;There have been a couple minor costs to fix things around the house, but not much, so I'm still quite happy with how the rental is going.<br /><br />With this new mindset on money, I was able to find enough money in equity and 401k loans to buy even more rentals. &nbsp;We bought a second rental in Memphis that has the same cash flow as the first. &nbsp;Then we bought one in Orlando, FL (a growth market) that is cash flowing $526/month with a $45,000 investment and next week we're buying another in Orlando.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://photos.zillowstatic.com/p_h/IS5uupxlizeqn30000000000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first rental in Memphis, TN</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.zillowstatic.com/p_h/IS52h0rf1ywcbj1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://photos.zillowstatic.com/p_h/IS52h0rf1ywcbj1000000000.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My second rental in Memphis, TN</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.zillowstatic.com/p_h/IS6ab94arbdk4b0000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://photos.zillowstatic.com/p_h/IS6ab94arbdk4b0000000000.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My First Orlando, FL rental</td></tr></tbody></table><br />If you're interested in getting started in Real Estate, you can see some of their current deals on their website&nbsp;<a href="https://dfy-realestate.com/">https://dfy-realestate.com/</a>&nbsp; On that site, they'll show you detailed info on each property so you can tell what the expected monthly cash flow is, as well as their estimate on the yearly rate of return if you were to sell 5 years after buying it. &nbsp;You can even set up a free call to talk with them about your situation and get their advice. &nbsp;Let them know I referred you.<br /><br />Buying real estate requires cash and credit. &nbsp;If you're lacking in credit, but have some cash, let me know and I may be able to help you get started anyway. &nbsp;By partnering, we can all get what we want! &nbsp;I've actually partnered with others on two of my properties and it's working out well. &nbsp;Of course, you want a clear legal agreement, and I've got a legal team who is experienced at this stuff.<br /><br />Randy Reeder<br /><br />Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04137355181400112600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-52473565553089968712017-06-11T12:05:00.000-06:002017-06-11T12:05:16.269-06:00Whirlpool Duet Steam error F09 E01 - Easier method!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_-egg6WpIM/WT1_UvhoJRI/AAAAAAAAKjc/FJJIbWZAE3QnJSxCvnCtGyiljU5eQNlrACKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_111029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v_-egg6WpIM/WT1_UvhoJRI/AAAAAAAAKjc/FJJIbWZAE3QnJSxCvnCtGyiljU5eQNlrACKgB/s320/IMG_20170611_111029.jpg" width="240" /></a>Yesterday our washing machine stopped mid-cycle and started beeping and showed the error codes F09 E01. &nbsp;I wasn't excited about trying to diagnose what the problem was, but I turned to Google to see what I could find. &nbsp;The first post didn't seem very promising, but the second post looked very familiar...It was a post <b><span style="font-size: large;">from me</span></b> just over two years ago &nbsp;<a href="http://reedercommons.blogspot.com/2015/03/whirlpool-duet-steam-error-f09-e01.html" target="_blank">Whirlpool Duet Steam error F09 E01</a>. &nbsp;Suddenly I felt much more confident I could have this fixed in no time. &nbsp;I thought I was blogging about it to help other people but this time I was able to help myself! &nbsp;My previous post showed that it can be fixed by removing the back and disassembling the drain pump. &nbsp;However, I also suggested that it might actually be really easy to just open up the front and unscrew the drain. &nbsp;This time I decided to take my advice and try to fix it from the front.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBMsgL4T23c/WT1_xgG6MUI/AAAAAAAAKjg/akCiV9dwwgkr4KWuyrmvO5vGLv_JEIl9ACKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_095915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBMsgL4T23c/WT1_xgG6MUI/AAAAAAAAKjg/akCiV9dwwgkr4KWuyrmvO5vGLv_JEIl9ACKgB/s320/IMG_20170611_095915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>To get in through the front, there are four 1/4" bolts at the bottom that need to be removed. &nbsp;Once they're removed, you can pull the bottom of the front out and peer in to see the drain pump cap.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg5jqus5sgk/WT2AT2TNRSI/AAAAAAAAKjk/mIJH1hJjs4osN8z90QMYsF9Fk0t0M7qZACKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_101923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg5jqus5sgk/WT2AT2TNRSI/AAAAAAAAKjk/mIJH1hJjs4osN8z90QMYsF9Fk0t0M7qZACKgB/s320/IMG_20170611_101923.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Once they're removed, you can pull the bottom of the front out and peer in to see the drain pump cap.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-6_c-2p204/WT2A5oVsw3I/AAAAAAAAKjo/O70qRWOkhMoYA2quOehkibasZ7vzXKcawCKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_101936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-6_c-2p204/WT2A5oVsw3I/AAAAAAAAKjo/O70qRWOkhMoYA2quOehkibasZ7vzXKcawCKgB/s320/IMG_20170611_101936.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Looks like I may be able to reach in and unscrew the drain pump cap.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-7peuAhdE4/WT2BvtxsteI/AAAAAAAAKj0/XLuOWCqQ_Xodhz5cKnO_a7dkvPic9JjgQCKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_102553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-7peuAhdE4/WT2BvtxsteI/AAAAAAAAKj0/XLuOWCqQ_Xodhz5cKnO_a7dkvPic9JjgQCKgB/s320/IMG_20170611_102553.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening the cap</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3KCawmd_nA/WT2CBlx7arI/AAAAAAAAKj4/tMFN6EEhFRwMBOi_si4-YHZWrorhvu9iwCKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_102029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3KCawmd_nA/WT2CBlx7arI/AAAAAAAAKj4/tMFN6EEhFRwMBOi_si4-YHZWrorhvu9iwCKgB/s400/IMG_20170611_102029.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The contents!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9bMvfMiBjw/WT2CN_Pa12I/AAAAAAAAKj8/-sxhY92JNuUHZmY4YhQWZvzFInFHG2PawCKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_102343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9bMvfMiBjw/WT2CN_Pa12I/AAAAAAAAKj8/-sxhY92JNuUHZmY4YhQWZvzFInFHG2PawCKgB/s640/IMG_20170611_102343.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No money this time, but a couple earrings and lots of hair pins and lint</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hi5BLDaO6A/WT2C1O18JGI/AAAAAAAAKkE/X-Pu3dLT7VIcZDXh_SGNE2vbTrkfz382ACKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_102607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hi5BLDaO6A/WT2C1O18JGI/AAAAAAAAKkE/X-Pu3dLT7VIcZDXh_SGNE2vbTrkfz382ACKgB/s640/IMG_20170611_102607.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out for that red rubber piece that could get in the way when you're removing or re-installing the cap</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmCPfXCPx5s/WT2DiprxM4I/AAAAAAAAKkQ/6dpvVWzLFtgyZOK0WRUmetLtCg8vzT6-gCKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_102654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmCPfXCPx5s/WT2DiprxM4I/AAAAAAAAKkQ/6dpvVWzLFtgyZOK0WRUmetLtCg8vzT6-gCKgB/s320/IMG_20170611_102654.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I noticed that a red wire came disconnected on the right side of the washer. &nbsp;I just reached in and reconnected it before closing the front back up.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KYDWmdSxCk/WT2EDdk9J5I/AAAAAAAAKkU/OfaWb3fYJWUtj3p08KGPCkePk27HR5srgCKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_102754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0KYDWmdSxCk/WT2EDdk9J5I/AAAAAAAAKkU/OfaWb3fYJWUtj3p08KGPCkePk27HR5srgCKgB/s320/IMG_20170611_102754.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Reconnected<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fG1BIpo1NtY/WT2E7YSRUoI/AAAAAAAAKkc/WwvN4G-7nKslI4MDGEswvnbNfuPGQerIwCKgB/s1600/IMG_20170611_111029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fG1BIpo1NtY/WT2E7YSRUoI/AAAAAAAAKkc/WwvN4G-7nKslI4MDGEswvnbNfuPGQerIwCKgB/s640/IMG_20170611_111029.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">All back together and running again! &nbsp;I even removed the tray underneath and cleaned it out while I was at it.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>That was a lot easier than removing the back and taking the pump apart. &nbsp;I'm so glad I took my own advice!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04137355181400112600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-81873119661255537472015-03-01T15:02:00.001-07:002017-06-11T12:13:12.887-06:00Whirlpool Duet Steam error F09 E01I did a load of laundry yesterday and partway through the wash, it stopped and displayed a set of error codes: F09 E01.<br /><br />It has also been leaking a bit during each load. &nbsp;Luckily I have a big pan under it so it's all contained though.<br /><br />A google search seemed to indicate that it was a problem with drainage taking too long. &nbsp;The solution was to clean out the entrance to the drain pump.<br /><br /><b>NOTE: &nbsp;This post describes the steps I took to resolve the issue. &nbsp;I encourage you to read through it, but make sure you read my <u>last paragraph</u>&nbsp;before actually taking anything apart because that might save you a lot of work!</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>UPDATE 11 June 2017: Two years after this post, I got this same error again. &nbsp;A Google search led me to my own post! &nbsp;I read my own post and took my own advice on a potentially easier method of cleaning out the drain pump from the front of the washer instead of disassembling all the hoses around the pump. &nbsp;It was a lot easier. &nbsp;Here's a link to the easier method:&nbsp;<a href="http://reedercommons.blogspot.com/2017/06/whirlpool-duet-steam-error-f09-e01.html" target="_blank">Whirlpool Duet Steam error F09 E01 - Easier Method!</a></b><br /><br />To find the drain pump, I took the back off the washer. &nbsp;In the following picture we see the flexible hose coming out of the bottom of the washer drum into the drain pump.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjSPJQ7IiHg/VPOGhMrOBnI/AAAAAAAADBs/4GtZX1NScRo/s1600/IMG_20150301_140631968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjSPJQ7IiHg/VPOGhMrOBnI/AAAAAAAADBs/4GtZX1NScRo/s1600/IMG_20150301_140631968.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I unhooked the small end of that hose I found a paperclip in it. &nbsp;Then I decided to unhook the large end too, so I could take it out and clean it up better in the sink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After cleaning that up, I felt into the pump and found a lot of junk in it. &nbsp;There was even a dime in it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epgIApqeM10/VPOInBckjPI/AAAAAAAADCA/9W6C8YAZFvI/s1600/IMG_20150301_133239748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epgIApqeM10/VPOInBckjPI/AAAAAAAADCA/9W6C8YAZFvI/s1600/IMG_20150301_133239748.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After getting all I thought I could get out, there was still some small rocks and stringish stuff inside that I couldn't really get out. &nbsp;I decided to take the pump out and see if I could clean it better that way. &nbsp;I unhooked the other hose and pulled on the pump until it came out. &nbsp;It was held in by some rubber grommets. &nbsp;I then had to unhook the wire. &nbsp;After getting it out, I noticed on the other side of the pump was a removable cap.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FRwipTCUeA/VPOImWyCpbI/AAAAAAAADB4/5NxcSJYopgw/s1600/IMG_20150301_134100108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FRwipTCUeA/VPOImWyCpbI/AAAAAAAADB4/5NxcSJYopgw/s1600/IMG_20150301_134100108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once removed, it was easy to remove the rest of the junk. I should have done that first!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2msdSjIcjqo/VPOIovmplGI/AAAAAAAADCI/4bHseVEeuQE/s1600/IMG_20150301_134111759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2msdSjIcjqo/VPOIovmplGI/AAAAAAAADCI/4bHseVEeuQE/s1600/IMG_20150301_134111759.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After cleaning that up, I put it all back together, and it seems to be draining much better now. &nbsp;So far, the leaking also seems to be fixed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you notice that second to last picture, though, you'll notice that there's a really nice big cap that would have been real easy to unscrew and clean out the junk if only I had opened the washer from the front! &nbsp;Looking a little closer, I believe the front might actually come off. &nbsp;I'm not going to take it off now that I've got it all fixed, but if I were you I would try removing the front instead of the back for this project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04137355181400112600noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-3028613684594489792012-12-17T21:45:00.002-07:002012-12-17T21:45:51.553-07:00Caden and Betsy playing Boil the Cabbage at the 2012 Country Harvest Hoedown.<br /><br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/2255726960_fpVCm3f?albumId=26911745&amp;albumKey=mS8stB&amp;width=640&amp;height=360" width="640"></iframe>Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04137355181400112600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-42024497703402458402012-08-24T06:00:00.000-06:002012-08-24T06:00:12.533-06:00Sourdough!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw0bPpX6QMc/UDWgE3xnIZI/AAAAAAAABG8/D5SofZFpOJc/s1600/_DSC0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mw0bPpX6QMc/UDWgE3xnIZI/AAAAAAAABG8/D5SofZFpOJc/s320/_DSC0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out this beautiful sourdough start!&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><br />I'm so happy to have a good, active sourdough start in the house again.&nbsp; I keep one going for over a year a while back, but eventually killed it due to neglect.&nbsp; Colin and I have since attempted to get a new one going, but I keep killing them with my side-tracked nature.&nbsp; Happily, Randy's brother has more focus and got a good one going.&nbsp; Uncle Ron shared some of his this past weekend while we were visiting and it is alive and well.&nbsp; <br /><br />We've used it to make two of my favorite sourdough recipes: pancakes and pizza.&nbsp; YUM!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sourdough Pancakes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Tablespoon oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Egg</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Tablespoon White Powder*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mix together well, then add:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Cup sourdough starter</div><br />Cook on hot griddle.&nbsp;<br /><br />We had them with fresh blackberries and whipped cream.&nbsp; Too bad we ate them before I thought of getting a picture - they sure didn't last long!&nbsp; <br /><br />*The White Powder is:<br />1 part Salt<br />1 part Baking Soda<br />3 parts Baking Powder<br />5 parts Sugar<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sourdough Pizza Dough</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 1/2 cups Sourdough Starter</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 Tablespoon Olive Oil</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon salt</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 1/2 cups Flour</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 450 degrees.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mix ingredients, working in the flour until you have a soft dough.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let dough rest for 1/2 hour so it will relax and forming the pizza will be easier.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Roll out the dough in a circle, however big you like.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pre-bake my pizza dough for 5 minutes on my pizza stone, then top it and bake 5 or 10 minutes more.&nbsp; If you prefer, you can just top it and bake for 15ish minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We topped our pizza with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese because that's what we had on hand.&nbsp; Again, this got gobbled up before I could snap a picture.&nbsp; I'll try to remember better next time.&nbsp; </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br /><br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080774255436352404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-82860811688245984292012-08-23T05:43:00.000-06:002012-08-23T05:43:00.317-06:00The BugRecently I've been doing a lot of photography. &nbsp;So when I saw this bug on the porch, I ran in the house and grabbed the camera. &nbsp;I think it's a praying mantis. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-547zxKn_QsU/UDUGPhzX2gI/AAAAAAAAACw/eJLCf636CZE/s1600/bugdark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-547zxKn_QsU/UDUGPhzX2gI/AAAAAAAAACw/eJLCf636CZE/s320/bugdark.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AoW0w6arcc0/UDUGfv3Z3qI/AAAAAAAAAC4/0A9gZFShVwc/s1600/buglight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AoW0w6arcc0/UDUGfv3Z3qI/AAAAAAAAAC4/0A9gZFShVwc/s320/buglight.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10094878862580064342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-42250718250982951422012-08-22T09:26:00.003-06:002012-08-24T15:55:57.961-06:00Alabama Smoked Chicken Sandwich<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you're looking for a GREAT tasting smoked chicken sandwich, this is it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9s30cUSOu3A/UBb6hqNJjoI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Bic7RutxMho/s1600/_DSC0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9s30cUSOu3A/UBb6hqNJjoI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Bic7RutxMho/s400/_DSC0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Recipe (From Smoke &amp; Spice by Cheryl and Bill Jamison)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Southern Succor Rub:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tablespoon paprika</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tablespoon turbinado sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon dry mustard</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 teaspoon cayenne</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded lightly</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Alabama Great White:</b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup&nbsp;mayonnaise</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3-4 tablespoons cider vinegar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea salt)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pinch or two of onion powder</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pinch or two of cayenne</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">12 large slices toasted white bread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6 crisp lettuce leaves</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NI_43tJitSE/UBb3UvZhtSI/AAAAAAAAAEo/uhjJuhmKZRA/s1600/_DSC0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NI_43tJitSE/UBb3UvZhtSI/AAAAAAAAAEo/uhjJuhmKZRA/s320/_DSC0002.JPG" width="212" /></a>I use a regular gas grill, so I fill a metal box like this with wood chips (cherry this time) after soaking them in water a bit. &nbsp;Then I light the grill on one side and start it smoking and getting the grill up to 200-220 degrees F.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBy5ak6ZuXs/UDTuDNB0MrI/AAAAAAAAAHg/GFGDdnLQtgQ/s1600/_DSC0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IBy5ak6ZuXs/UDTuDNB0MrI/AAAAAAAAAHg/GFGDdnLQtgQ/s320/_DSC0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuzEqn4d9XM/UDTslXqU7LI/AAAAAAAAAGs/MLpxgwYBTxY/s1600/_DSC0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuzEqn4d9XM/UDTslXqU7LI/AAAAAAAAAGs/MLpxgwYBTxY/s320/_DSC0001.JPG" width="212" /></a>Sprinkle the rub on each side and rub it in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh22AhOATHY/UDTtL5OcXnI/AAAAAAAAAHA/74_UvPgHTyo/s1600/_DSC0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh22AhOATHY/UDTtL5OcXnI/AAAAAAAAAHA/74_UvPgHTyo/s320/_DSC0003.JPG" width="320" /></a>Then put the chicken on the grill on the opposite side.&nbsp;The idea is to have one burner on, and the chicken over the other burner which is off so the chicken is cooked by indirect heat. &nbsp;This gives a juicy slow cooked chicken.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFkt6-MlB1E/UDTttkRowKI/AAAAAAAAAHU/dsiAwVXq8Xo/s1600/_DSC0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFkt6-MlB1E/UDTttkRowKI/AAAAAAAAAHU/dsiAwVXq8Xo/s320/_DSC0005.JPG" width="320" /></a> Drizzle with a little of the Alabama Great White mixed with a little water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBiNhrqOil8/UDTumKvmcII/AAAAAAAAAH0/PRaPyhSYPUI/s1600/_DSC0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cBiNhrqOil8/UDTumKvmcII/AAAAAAAAAH0/PRaPyhSYPUI/s320/_DSC0008.JPG" width="320" /></a>I put a thermometer in the chicken so I can just wait for it to beep when it's reached 165 degrees F. &nbsp;This way it doesn't end up getting overcooked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_Ef-TiiIbI/UDTvIQ1F4eI/AAAAAAAAAII/6O9M9JSoyOM/s1600/_DSC0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_Ef-TiiIbI/UDTvIQ1F4eI/AAAAAAAAAII/6O9M9JSoyOM/s320/_DSC0010.JPG" width="320" /></a>When it's about done, toast some buns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9rq3PRxgFfg/UDTva6DnOdI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/BXWD0VNeB04/s1600/_DSC0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9rq3PRxgFfg/UDTva6DnOdI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/BXWD0VNeB04/s320/_DSC0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMa4lTSQb0U/UDTvuKebi-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/pyWn5In3WgE/s1600/_DSC0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMa4lTSQb0U/UDTvuKebi-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/pyWn5In3WgE/s320/_DSC0012.JPG" width="320" /></a>Slice up the chicken, slather the buns with the Alabama Great White Sauce, add lettuce, and some chicken slices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1vzl2UfCUs/UDTv_SWNdnI/AAAAAAAAAIk/z1N7vizxPP4/s1600/_DSC0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T1vzl2UfCUs/UDTv_SWNdnI/AAAAAAAAAIk/z1N7vizxPP4/s640/_DSC0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">YUM!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span id="goog_352737084"></span><span id="goog_352737085"></span>Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04137355181400112600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-49079389547459941652012-08-03T08:00:00.000-06:002012-08-03T09:00:50.660-06:00Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlcWV90r_Us/UBvQx3jAnII/AAAAAAAABGo/kYwJ3HKv0a4/s1600/happiness" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlcWV90r_Us/UBvQx3jAnII/AAAAAAAABGo/kYwJ3HKv0a4/s320/happiness" width="320" /></a></div><div style="padding-left: -2em; text-indent: 2em;">I've been reading David Bednar's book,<i> Increase in Learning</i>.&nbsp; Fabulous book!&nbsp; I love it!</div><br /><div style="padding-left: -2em; text-indent: 2em;">Chapter Four is called "Doctrines, Principles, and Applications: A Framework for Gospel Learning.</div><br /><div style="padding-left: -2em; text-indent: 2em;">Here's my attempt to apply that framework to my study of Happiness this morning.</div><br /><center>Doctrine = Why<br />Principles = What<br />Application = How<br /></center><br /><div style="padding-left: -2em; text-indent: 2em;">The <u><b>doctrine</b></u> is the plan of happiness.</div><br /><div style="padding-left: -2em; text-indent: 2em;">A few of the <b><u>principles</u></b> of happiness are:</div><br /><ul><li>We are happiest when we have the Holy Ghost with us.</li><li>"Wickedness never was happiness." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/41.10?lang=eng#9">Alma 41:10</a>)</li><li>Knowing what you need to do is not enough, to be happy you actually have to DO what you need to do.</li><li>"Happy is he that condemneth not himself." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/rom/14.22?lang=eng#21">Romans 14:22</a>)&nbsp; Don't beat yourself up for not being perfect.</li></ul><div style="padding-left: -2em; text-indent: 2em;"><a href="http://www.flylady.net/">FLYlady</a> is a great example of the <u><b>application</b></u> of these principles.</div><br /><br /><div style="padding-left: -2em; text-indent: 2em;">David Bednar explains that "Doctrines and principles do not change,&nbsp; applications appropriately can vary according to needs and circumstances" (p.156).</div><br /><div style="padding-left: -2em; text-indent: 2em;">Only studying applications without seeking true principles and doctrines will not lead to success.&nbsp; For example, many people say "FLYlady just doesn't work for me."&nbsp; This is an example of only studying the applications without understanding the doctrine and/or the principles.&nbsp; When Marla Ciley started doing her routines, the principle she had in mind was to Finally Love Yourself (FLY).&nbsp; Her routines help her to DO what she needs to do to be happy.&nbsp; They keep her from beating up herself for not being perfect.&nbsp; And they help her create an atmosphere in her home and in her heart where she can get what she calls "God Breezes."&nbsp; Understanding the principles that she was following help me to create my own applications that work for my family.&nbsp; A person who only studies the application sees the huge list of everything Flylady does in her daily routines and will likely give up before they even get a chance to understand the blessings that following the principles will bring.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080774255436352404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-54806424328006238502012-07-26T06:00:00.000-06:002012-07-26T09:30:42.046-06:00Garmin Forerunner 305 battery replacementThe battery in my Garmin Forerunner 305 got to the point where it wouldn't hold a charge long enough for a 6 mile run.&nbsp; A Google search at first didn't result in much, but finally I came across a couple pages that looked promising.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.jimandkatrin.com/CodeBlog/post/Forerunner-305-Battery-Replacement.aspx" target="_blank">One guy</a> used a phone battery with success, but I don't have any phone batteries lying around.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/shoes-stuff/gear-electronics/garmin-305-battery-replaced-5-ipod-mini-battery" target="_blank">Another site</a> I came across indicated that a replacement battery for an iPod Mini is the same voltage (3.7V), about twice the capacity (1300mAh instead of 750mAh), and very similar in size.&nbsp; I bought an iPod Mini battery on eBay for $4.21 including shipping.&nbsp; A couple days later it arrived and I went to open my Garmin.&nbsp; I had read that sometimes the watch pops open of its own accord because the battery swelled, but even if it doesn't you should be able to open it by prying with your fingernails.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQWExaB2MsQ/UBC7EC4UGpI/AAAAAAAAAA8/AN5bObYe3Us/s1600/_DSC0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PQWExaB2MsQ/UBC7EC4UGpI/AAAAAAAAAA8/AN5bObYe3Us/s320/_DSC0008.JPG" width="320" /></a>I went to pry mine open and realized it was already swelled open, so I just opened it the rest of the way with my fingers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_3ep5FMXOw/UBC7Ww_zn2I/AAAAAAAAABE/CPgfcbYhSeQ/s1600/_DSC0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_3ep5FMXOw/UBC7Ww_zn2I/AAAAAAAAABE/CPgfcbYhSeQ/s320/_DSC0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There were no wires to be careful with...the top just came completely off.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmaVAnLan_U/UBC7loPglPI/AAAAAAAAABQ/63ckFnjngqY/s1600/_DSC0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmaVAnLan_U/UBC7loPglPI/AAAAAAAAABQ/63ckFnjngqY/s320/_DSC0010.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>I clipped the black and white wires connecting the battery as close to the battery as I could to leave as much wire to work with as possible.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ckVR4gxBgw/UBC73lyiFII/AAAAAAAAABY/d_18qDWvSn4/s1600/_DSC0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ckVR4gxBgw/UBC73lyiFII/AAAAAAAAABY/d_18qDWvSn4/s320/_DSC0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I cut the connector off the end of the new battery's wires, stripped the black and white wires at the ends, twisted the wires together, and soldered them.&nbsp; I just left the white wire alone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LIBtYMKu57w/UBC8J0VYTPI/AAAAAAAAABk/zTvVCthX4oo/s1600/_DSC0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LIBtYMKu57w/UBC8J0VYTPI/AAAAAAAAABk/zTvVCthX4oo/s320/_DSC0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>After wrapping the exposed wires with electrical tape, I put the battery into the watch and pushed the wires out of the way of the button on the left.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ih-Kix7M48/UBC8q5YyuEI/AAAAAAAAAB4/mPgEMO8s4QY/s1600/_DSC0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ih-Kix7M48/UBC8q5YyuEI/AAAAAAAAAB4/mPgEMO8s4QY/s320/_DSC0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I glued it back together with epoxy since that's what I had on hand.&nbsp; I hope I don't have to open it again!&nbsp; I pressed on the watch to keep it snug while the epoxy hardened.&nbsp; The connectors won't make good contact unless the pieces are snugly together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ojAiiCxtkw/UBC8Z2CqJFI/AAAAAAAAABs/fCa9rdof04Q/s1600/_DSC0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ojAiiCxtkw/UBC8Z2CqJFI/AAAAAAAAABs/fCa9rdof04Q/s320/_DSC0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>When I plugged it into the charger, it started charging normally.&nbsp; An hour or two later it said battery charging was complete.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMmCWGxAfvk/UBC9As8TSgI/AAAAAAAAACA/4iaJ5ZsOSA8/s1600/_DSC0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tMmCWGxAfvk/UBC9As8TSgI/AAAAAAAAACA/4iaJ5ZsOSA8/s320/_DSC0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It got satellite reception and appeared to be working properly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiYx5FjWgbE/UBC9Q3iwvhI/AAAAAAAAACM/Maq07-iK2-M/s1600/_DSC0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KiYx5FjWgbE/UBC9Q3iwvhI/AAAAAAAAACM/Maq07-iK2-M/s320/_DSC0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I went to the menu to see the battery symbol which indicated it is fully charged.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And Kim tried it out on her run this morning.&nbsp; It's working well!Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04137355181400112600noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-56974894443101741782012-07-25T05:43:00.000-06:002012-08-01T20:20:27.458-06:00Color of the DayMore javascript, since that's my new interest. &nbsp;Drag the slider to choose the blinking speed. &nbsp;The color of the non-white square should change every day.<br />UPDATE: Okay, it's not just a firefox problem. &nbsp;I'm using the new HTML5 slider, and it works best in chrome. &nbsp;You might see a text box or nothing at all otherwise.<br /><br /><div style="width: 120px;"><div align="left" id="left" style="-moz-border-radius: 15px; background-color: none; border-radius: 15px; height: 55px; width: 55px;"></div><div align="right" id="right" style="-moz-border-radius: 15px; background-color: none; border-radius: 15px; height: 55px; width: 55px;"></div></div><input id="slide" max="50" min="1" onchange="thingy=2000/this.value;" type="range" value="1" /><script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.7.0/jquery.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">var color; var thingy = 2000; function left() { $('#left').css('backgroundColor', color); $('#right').css('backgroundColor', 'white'); setTimeout('right();', thingy); } function right() { $('#right').css('backgroundColor', color); $('#left').css('backgroundColor', 'white'); setTimeout('left();', thingy); } $(function() { $.getJSON('http://reederhome.net/colin/whatisthecolorofthedayjson.php?callback=?', function(data) { color = data.color; left(); }); }); </script>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10094878862580064342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-3697848642463332592012-07-24T06:00:00.000-06:002012-07-24T06:00:17.252-06:00Trinity Lake by RobynOn Saturday we went hiking at Trinity Lake.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jx6E5su1zTg/UA2SLuGb1RI/AAAAAAAAADw/NiUUpMVgW94/s1600/2012-07-21_14-33-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jx6E5su1zTg/UA2SLuGb1RI/AAAAAAAAADw/NiUUpMVgW94/s320/2012-07-21_14-33-40.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRojm_AK3-8/UA2TezKkxuI/AAAAAAAAAEY/mMAOzxioHjQ/s1600/2012-07-21_18-37-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wRojm_AK3-8/UA2TezKkxuI/AAAAAAAAAEY/mMAOzxioHjQ/s320/2012-07-21_18-37-20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We hiked to Fiddle Lake. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKCtW7Yo2po/UA2TK4XozhI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/H7s4REmtI4Q/s1600/2012-07-21_18-28-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKCtW7Yo2po/UA2TK4XozhI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/H7s4REmtI4Q/s1600/2012-07-21_18-28-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKCtW7Yo2po/UA2TK4XozhI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/H7s4REmtI4Q/s320/2012-07-21_18-28-24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An_HxiYZup0/UA2UdsLTVeI/AAAAAAAAAEk/QFAmr2eOnqA/s1600/2012-07-21_17-47-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An_HxiYZup0/UA2UdsLTVeI/AAAAAAAAAEk/QFAmr2eOnqA/s320/2012-07-21_17-47-24.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp; When we got there we went fishing.&nbsp;&nbsp; There was a fish following dad's hook but it never bit the hook.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GRvI-KlPiQ/UA2SlbPZ0rI/AAAAAAAAAD8/XgO_N_GZDsA/s1600/2012-07-21_17-55-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GRvI-KlPiQ/UA2SlbPZ0rI/AAAAAAAAAD8/XgO_N_GZDsA/s320/2012-07-21_17-55-48.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;Before we went back to Trinity Lake we climbed on rocks. They were very tall.&nbsp; <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pk8--1WL1g/UA2S4WudFCI/AAAAAAAAAEE/zf73srTZnTs/s1600/2012-07-21_18-02-26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pk8--1WL1g/UA2S4WudFCI/AAAAAAAAAEE/zf73srTZnTs/s320/2012-07-21_18-02-26.jpg" width="320" /></a>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253873991433175531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-66681390743018336152012-07-23T11:14:00.000-06:002012-07-23T11:15:13.923-06:00JavascriptAnd now, for the coolest thing I've ever done here... Javascript!<br /><br /><button onclick="$('button').fadeOut('slow'); $('#link').fadeIn();">Click me</button><a href="javascript:void(0)" id="link" onclick="$('#link').fadeOut('slow'); $('button').fadeIn('slow'); return false;" style="display: none;">Where'd the button go?</a><script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.7.2/jquery.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jqueryui/1.8.21/jquery-ui.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br />More to come!Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10094878862580064342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-63788879222244778212012-07-18T21:49:00.000-06:002012-07-18T21:49:41.684-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Scv2WlyLIU/UAd47VeQwpI/AAAAAAAABGc/twfayUrJZzU/s1600/gracewatermeloncookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Scv2WlyLIU/UAd47VeQwpI/AAAAAAAABGc/twfayUrJZzU/s320/gracewatermeloncookies.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Watermelon Slice Cookies</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This recipe came from p. 92 in the Taste of Home Cookie magazine that was to be displayed until June 11, 2012.&nbsp; It says it's from Sue Ann Benham from Valpraraiso, Indiana.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It makes about 3 dozen sliced cookies.&nbsp; </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">3/4 C butter, softened</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">3/4 C sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 teaspoon almond extract (you could probably use vanilla if you don't have almond)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 C all-purpose flour</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 teaspoon baking powder</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/8 teaspoon salt</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">red and green GEL food coloring</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/3 cup raisins</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 teaspoon sesame seeds</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">1.&nbsp; In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.&nbsp; Beat in egg and extract.&nbsp; Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.&nbsp; Set aside 1 cup of dough.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Tint remaining dough red; shape into a 3 1/2 inch</span> long log.&nbsp; Wrap in plastic wrap.&nbsp; Tint 1/3 cup of the remaining dough green; wrap in plastic wrap.&nbsp; Wrap the remaining plain dough in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3. On a lightly floured surface, roll plain dough into a 8 1/2 inch X 3 1/2 inch rectangle.&nbsp; Place red dough log on the end of a short side of the rectangle; roll up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Roll green dough into a 10 inch X 3 1/2 inch rectangle.&nbsp; Place red and white log on the end of a short side on green dough; roll up.&nbsp; Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate overnight.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Unwrap and cut into 3/16 inch slices (just less that 1/4 inch).&nbsp; Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.&nbsp; Cut raisins into small pieces.&nbsp; Lightly press raisin bits and sesame seeds into red dough to resemble watermelon seeds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes or until firm.&nbsp; Immediately cut cookies in half.&nbsp; Remove to wire racks to cool.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080774255436352404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-274888993850542742012-07-14T06:00:00.000-06:002012-07-14T06:00:09.782-06:00Remember by RobynHere a poem I wrote:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Remember me?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the girl &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I am the woman</div><div style="text-align: center;">who does what she's asked &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;who&nbsp;wherever&nbsp;she goes</div><div style="text-align: center;">who tries to be nice &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;she will bring joy</div><div style="text-align: center;">whatever the task. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;to all that are low.</div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253873991433175531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-9199062151722919362012-07-13T17:05:00.000-06:002012-07-13T17:05:54.790-06:00Ode to Music by RobynHere is my ode that I wrote for cabin writers:<div><br /></div><div>Ode to music that clears the mind</div><div>that makes us brave through all time.</div><div>Ode to music its soft sweet song</div><div>that brings us together as one.</div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253873991433175531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-66322403385887756712012-07-09T20:46:00.002-06:002012-07-09T21:06:12.248-06:00Cabin WritersToday I went to Cabin Writers at the Cabin in downtown Boise.<img alt="Boise, ID : Log Cabin Literary Center, Boise, ID" border="0" src="http://pics4.city-data.com/cpicv/vfiles4948.jpg" width="500px" /><br /><div style="border: medium none; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">&nbsp; We spent an hour in the Cabin writing character sketches.</div>&nbsp; Then we went to the Ann Frank memorial and wrote a poem about ourselves.<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="" height="500" src="http://www.gregorystoneartist.com/images/Sculpture/AnneFrankMemorialSideViewB.jpg" width="309" /></span><br /><br />&nbsp;We then went down to the Boise River and wrote some stuff about sensory detail.<img alt="http://www.poplarware.com/biketrails/wp-content/uploads/p1010166.JPG" src="http://www.poplarware.com/biketrails/wp-content/uploads/p1010166.JPG" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in;" width="500px" /><br /><br />&nbsp; Then we walked down to Julia Davis park and wrote the beginning to our stories.<br /><div id="main-content"><img alt="Julia Davis Park in Boise, Idaho" class="theImg-left" height="273" src="http://www.searchboise.com/images/julia-davis-park.jpg" title="Julia Davis Park in Boise, Idaho" width="350" /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253873991433175531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-76285315318557244642012-07-08T21:17:00.000-06:002012-07-08T21:17:00.568-06:00Sunday Quote"<i>The companionship of the spirit of the Lord is an antidote for weariness,..... for fear and all those things that sometimes overtake us in life</i>."&nbsp;&nbsp; George Albert Smith<br /><br />I needed this quote from our<a href="http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-george-albert-smith/chapter-11?lang=eng"> Relief Society lesson today</a>.&nbsp; When I am feeling weary or fearful, I find that it's usually because I am out of line with the spirit.&nbsp; Those feelings go away and are replaced by peace when I get my life back in line.&nbsp; This quote was just the call to repentance I needed today and I will head the call.&nbsp; Summer is too wonderful for weariness or fear.&nbsp;Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080774255436352404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-50610820496527635932012-07-07T06:00:00.000-06:002012-07-07T06:00:03.388-06:00Saving Rabia<style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> </style> <br /><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /><br /><center><span style="font-size: small;">This is another story I wrote. </span></center><center><span style="font-size: small;">Saving Rabia</span></center></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">One warm summer morning, I received a package from my pen-pal Rabia from India. I excitedly opened it. When I looked inside I was disappointed to discover a dusty old rug inside. However when I shook out the dust to have a better look at the rug, I discovered that it was really a purple magic carpet with yellow stripes. There was a message pinned to one edge of the carpet. It proclaimed:</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Help! I'm stuck in a shed on Rickets Farm. Tell the carpet to take you there. Then come find me. Hurry!” Rabia.</i></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">As soon as I finished reading it I quickly wrote a note to my parents letting them know I had had to leave suddenly. Then I jumped onto the carpet shouting “Go to Rickets Farm as fast as you can!”</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">At first the ride was scary and I kept thinking I was going to fall off, but soon I became</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">accustomed to it. When an airplane came zooming by I almost did fall off! I was very excited.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">About an hour later I finally arrived at Rickets farm. I looked around me and saw some grazing cows, a few apple trees, and a little stream, but there was no shed in sight. So I decided to look around some more.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before long I found an old brown shed that was surrounded by some big trees, and looked like no one had been to it in a long time. I timidly peeked through a window in its side. Inside I saw a 7 foot tall monster that was purple and green! He was torturing Rabia! I had to save her, but how? I thought about it for a few minutes and then I had an idea. I quickly opened the brown leather backpack that I had brought along and searched for my candy stash finally I came upon it. Then I circled the shed until I found the entrance to it and burst inside. As soon as I entered the monster whirled around.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">What do you want?” He bellowed.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">I have come for my friend.” I told him.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">You can't have her. She's mine!” He shouted.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, then I guess you can't have what I brought to pay you with.” I replied casually.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">What did you bring?” The monster inquired.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">Oh just this.” I said, holding out my hands which were full of candy. </span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">What are they?” The monster asked.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">Candy.” I replied.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">What do you do with it?” He questioned.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">Eat it.” I replied.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">What does it taste like?” He inquired.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">I thought for a moment and then said, “I'll give you one piece to try it and if you like it </span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">you can trade my friend for 50 more pieces.”</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">Okay.” He said. “Give me my first piece.”</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">I gave it to him. Then I inquired, “What do you think? Do you like it?”</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">Yes.” He replied, “I do.”</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">So will you take my offer?” I inquired.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">I will.” He said, “but I want 60 pieces.”</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;">“<span style="font-size: small;">Okay.” I replied.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">So it was agreed. I gave him 60 pieces of candy and he gave me Rabia.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rabia and I leaped onto the magic carpet and flew Rabia to her home (where the monster could not get her) and then I zoomed home. As soon as I got there I carefully put the rug in the closet, collapsed on my bed, and fell asleep.</span></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253873991433175531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-13297622208943134842012-07-06T06:00:00.000-06:002012-07-06T06:00:00.582-06:00Trapped in the Cellar<style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> </style> <br /><div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the dog's side of the story of <i>In the Cellar</i> witch I posted earlier. </span></div><div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trapped in the Cellar </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">One warm summer night my folks had a going away party prior to the big move. I'm not too keen on strangers so I headed to the cellar for some peace and quiet. I was investigating the cellar when my left front foot got stuck in a rat trap. I tried vigorously to get it out but that just made it hurt more so I started to bark. But that didn’t work because the party was to noisy for them to hear me. Tenderly I laid down and went to sleep feeling lonely.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next day in the morning I was awakened by the noise of the moving van pulling away. Scared I started to bark but it was too late. They were gone! My mind was racing. What if no one ever found me? What if I was stuck forever in this dark cellar?! </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">That afternoon a different moving van pulled up and stopped. The door squeaked open and the new family came in hauling their stuff. I heard them go back out and get more stuff. The noise of boxes being dragged across the floor continued all day. Even if I hadn’t been to scared to bark they wouldn’t have been able to hear me. </span></div><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">That night there was a storm, but the only thing I could hear was the cracking thunder. I was terrified and whimpering and whining. Then I heard creaking floorboards, someone was coming! The creaks got closer and closer, then slowly the door creaked open and a little girl entered. I growled nervously at her but she kept coming toward me. She started talking gently to me and I calmed down.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">As she carefully removed my foot from the rat trap, I examined her. She had brown hair and bright blue eyes. When she had succeeded in removing my foot from the rat trap, she soaked it in hot water and brought me up to her room. We slept comfortably in each others company for the rest of the night.</span></div><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next morning she excitedly asked her parents if she could keep me. They said she could! So I have lived happily with them ever since. </span></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253873991433175531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-20079763580808907642012-07-05T06:00:00.000-06:002012-07-05T06:00:01.550-06:00Bob Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHBGt2pKePk/T_N-KFHEFVI/AAAAAAAABFE/nnAPBNxZOzM/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHBGt2pKePk/T_N-KFHEFVI/AAAAAAAABFE/nnAPBNxZOzM/s320/photo-2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCz5OsT5-Lc/T_N-JylZmCI/AAAAAAAABE4/nisXR6CxgVA/s1600/Cadenreadingbobbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCz5OsT5-Lc/T_N-JylZmCI/AAAAAAAABE4/nisXR6CxgVA/s640/Cadenreadingbobbooks.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I read a lot of Bob Books to my mom.&nbsp; I felt good when I was reading my Bob Books.&nbsp; 7/3/2012</td></tr></tbody></table>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080774255436352404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-65875421286242919352012-07-04T06:00:00.000-06:002012-07-04T06:00:02.709-06:00Happy Independence Day!<div style="text-align: center;">We love the 4th of July!&nbsp;</div><br />Our favorite way to celebrate is to head on out to<a href="http://melba4thofjuly.com/"> Melba, ID</a>. From the early morning fun run to the late night fireworks display, that little town knows how to throw a party.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzZKgAOiCj8/T_OC27B3PAI/AAAAAAAABFc/rQY0DD6Y8m8/s1600/Melba4thofJuly-Header-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzZKgAOiCj8/T_OC27B3PAI/AAAAAAAABFc/rQY0DD6Y8m8/s320/Melba4thofJuly-Header-web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />We usually take a break sometime after the parade and before the fireworks to visit Grandma and Grandpa Reeder for a picnic out at the air strip. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXm6oFmldg8/T_OG0Y0PRvI/AAAAAAAABGI/S7az6Aejunc/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXm6oFmldg8/T_OG0Y0PRvI/AAAAAAAABGI/S7az6Aejunc/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caden in Grandpa's RV 8 last fall</td></tr></tbody></table><br />While we are driving around in the van on the way to all the fun, we like to listen to <a href="http://www.britemusic.com/take-your-hat-off-book-and-cd">Janeen Brady's Take Your Hat Off When the Flag Goes By</a>. It's a great introduction to the Constitution, the Founding Fathers, the military, and patriotism.&nbsp; Janeen Brady is awesome!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxNVO1ovR4I/T_N_0-TSqPI/AAAAAAAABFM/5440Q352zRA/s1600/Take-Your-Hat-Off-book_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qxNVO1ovR4I/T_N_0-TSqPI/AAAAAAAABFM/5440Q352zRA/s320/Take-Your-Hat-Off-book_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We may have to shake things up a bit this year, but that's a typical 4th of July for the Reeder fam.<br /><br />Have a happy and safe Independence Day!&nbsp; <br /><br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080774255436352404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-27962344628938445032012-07-03T06:00:00.000-06:002012-07-03T06:00:13.032-06:00Busy dayI did a lot today (7/2/2012). When I first woke up this morning, I decided to learn IPA. IPA stands for International Phonetic Alphabet. It's an alphabet used for displaying pronunciation. Some words in IPA look a lot like the actual words, like the word sʊn (son), while others look less like the actual words, like tʃɑːx (chalk).<br /><div><br /></div>Later, I set up Titanium (taɪteɪniːʊm) Studio on the laptop because it somehow didn't work on the mac. Titanium is a framework for javascript (dʒɑːvɑːsxrɪpt) used to make phone apps. I'm mainly planning to deploy to android though. I verified that I could test my apps on the android emulator and begun working on an app. I might talk more about the app when it's finished. It is far from that at the current state.<div><br /></div>Just now, I replaced the battery in my keyboard (xiːbɒrd) and wrote this post.Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10094878862580064342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-6324233694445007722012-07-02T10:39:00.000-06:002012-07-02T10:41:59.720-06:00The Speed of TrustI am listening to Stephen M. R. Covey's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Speed-Trust-Changes-Everything/dp/1455893404/ref=tmm_abk_title_0">The Speed of Trust</a>. Two CDs into it, I am hooked. It's good stuff! The basic idea is that trust is something you can measure and a skill that can be learned and that when trust goes up, speed also goes up while costs go down. It's been fun to recognize this truth in many areas of my life. I am excited to keep listening to the rest of the book!Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10080774255436352404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-21051794919294837692012-06-29T06:00:00.000-06:002012-06-29T06:00:10.359-06:00Randy - Samsung 226BW monitor flickering fix<h2 style="text-align: center;"> &nbsp;<b>Randy</b></h2>I enjoy doing outdoor things with the family like camping, biking, and hiking.&nbsp; I like to go hunting, but so far just take Colin hunting.&nbsp; I enjoy running to stay in shape and keep from getting old - I don't think it's completely working though.&nbsp; I enjoy accompanying the kids on guitar when they play fiddle tunes.&nbsp; We have a good time.&nbsp; I also enjoy programming and electronic circuits.<br /><br />Today's post is about our computer monitor (Samsung 226BW) that recently started flickering.&nbsp; First it was only flickering for half a minute when the monitor came out of sleep.&nbsp; I got around that by changing the setting on the computer so that it doesn't put the monitor to sleep.&nbsp; That worked for a week or so, but then the monitor got turned off and when we tried to turn it back on it just flickered forever and never fully turned on.&nbsp; The monitor still showed the picture, but it wasn't very bright and it made me sick to try to use it so I just used the laptop instead.<br /><br />A Google search showed that this is actually a common problem for this monitor and the typical solution is to replace some capacitors.&nbsp; I decided to open up the monitor and see what condition the capacitors were in.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltH_ojSZM9k/T-uyxlXHzaI/AAAAAAAABDA/fRYgLqYoRt8/s1600/_DSC0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltH_ojSZM9k/T-uyxlXHzaI/AAAAAAAABDA/fRYgLqYoRt8/s320/_DSC0186.JPG" width="320" /></a>First, I just three screws out of the back to remove the base and three more followed by some easy prying with a screwdriver to get the back black plastic cover removed.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMMnfRkRIwE/T-uzAZDp1pI/AAAAAAAABDI/oiTRh5ClMSc/s1600/_DSC0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMMnfRkRIwE/T-uzAZDp1pI/AAAAAAAABDI/oiTRh5ClMSc/s320/_DSC0188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then I pried the left sheet of metal up at the tabs to pop it off.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1HqNht8j8Q/T-uzQ2nS7sI/AAAAAAAABDU/2fFqtxi_6rY/s1600/_DSC0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1HqNht8j8Q/T-uzQ2nS7sI/AAAAAAAABDU/2fFqtxi_6rY/s320/_DSC0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I unhooked the wires from the bottom left and the bottom right so I'll be able to lift up the cover.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv38vrXAlck/T-uzhuuuOeI/AAAAAAAABDg/PaLI6jzl_Pg/s1600/_DSC0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv38vrXAlck/T-uzhuuuOeI/AAAAAAAABDg/PaLI6jzl_Pg/s320/_DSC0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>With the cover lifted, now I see two boards.&nbsp; The one on the left is the one with the power supply (where the power cord connects), so I need to unscrew that one to see the capacitors.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qibd0K1pgFU/T-uzyhPJjVI/AAAAAAAABDo/8boDFGBVWWI/s1600/_DSC0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qibd0K1pgFU/T-uzyhPJjVI/AAAAAAAABDo/8boDFGBVWWI/s320/_DSC0193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There was also a small sheet of metal at the top of the left board that needed to come out before the board would pull out.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pD_JMe95ULk/T-u0DGnVrQI/AAAAAAAABD0/yMCBuB13POA/s1600/_DSC0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pD_JMe95ULk/T-u0DGnVrQI/AAAAAAAABD0/yMCBuB13POA/s320/_DSC0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There they are.&nbsp; And now for a closer look...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--F-7o8bZu50/T-u0SNeAqsI/AAAAAAAABD8/E3PB9ssrsXg/s1600/_DSC0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--F-7o8bZu50/T-u0SNeAqsI/AAAAAAAABD8/E3PB9ssrsXg/s320/_DSC0198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>These three capacitors are no longer flat on top like they should be, so they'll need to be replaced.&nbsp; The two on the left are 820uF capacitors.&nbsp; The one on the right is a 330uF capacitor.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cI7JrYHZQxQ/T-u0i4PpNkI/AAAAAAAABEI/oZvCmi-H2J8/s1600/_DSC0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cI7JrYHZQxQ/T-u0i4PpNkI/AAAAAAAABEI/oZvCmi-H2J8/s320/_DSC0199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Looks like this one needs to be replaced too.&nbsp; It's a 680uF capacitor.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awoAeymdzCU/T-u0zQgryDI/AAAAAAAABEQ/DZ13Fmmze3Y/s1600/_DSC0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awoAeymdzCU/T-u0zQgryDI/AAAAAAAABEQ/DZ13Fmmze3Y/s320/_DSC0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And its companion behind it of the same size also needs to be replaced.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWQwVzAoDaU/T-u1SMy9o2I/AAAAAAAABEk/yYrFHEAns-w/s1600/_DSC0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWQwVzAoDaU/T-u1SMy9o2I/AAAAAAAABEk/yYrFHEAns-w/s320/_DSC0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Look at that.&nbsp; This one looks good and won't need to be replaced.&nbsp; It's 47uF.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTnnwQbvEwY/T-u1C2vVfTI/AAAAAAAABEc/ksuqoV6Vzdc/s1600/_DSC0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kTnnwQbvEwY/T-u1C2vVfTI/AAAAAAAABEc/ksuqoV6Vzdc/s320/_DSC0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And this big one looks good too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So the capacitors I need to replace are:<br />one 25V 330uF 105C capacitor<br />two 25V 820uF 105C capacitors<br />two 25V 680uF 105C capacitors<br /><br />The 47uF capacitor is 50V 105C, but it doesn't need to be replaced, and neither does the big 450V 150uF capacitor.<br /><br />If I were patient, I'd order the capacitors and just install them when they arrived, but I'm not very patient.&nbsp; I tried to find some locally at Radio Shack, but they didn't have any high temp (105C) capacitors, let alone the right capacitance.&nbsp; I found a local electronics parts store called The Current Source.&nbsp; The guy I talked to there has a 330uF 50V 105C capacitor and some 1000uF 25V 105C capacitors.&nbsp; While reading other forums, I found plenty of people have used 1000uF instead of 820uF with success.&nbsp; For power supply usage, the exact capacitance doesn't seem to matter as long as it's not less than the original, and the same goes for the voltage.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LW0ubqRl-qU/T-0EDT-6I1I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/WODkZRGYJE0/s1600/_DSC0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LW0ubqRl-qU/T-0EDT-6I1I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/WODkZRGYJE0/s320/_DSC0001.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />So I bought four 1000uF 25V capacitors and one 330uF 50V capacitor for $7.60.&nbsp; The 1000uF capacitors are about the same size as the original 820uF capacitors, but the 330uF 50V capacitor is quite a bit larger because it's 50V.&nbsp; It still fits on the board though.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vwda82KG5I/T-0EUKX9PkI/AAAAAAAAAAY/asoEPGsuLGE/s1600/_DSC0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vwda82KG5I/T-0EUKX9PkI/AAAAAAAAAAY/asoEPGsuLGE/s320/_DSC0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This picture is after removing the 820uF capacitors and the 330uF capacitor and installing one of the new 1000uF capacitors.&nbsp; The circle on the board has slanted lines in the negative half of the circle showing where the capacitor goes.&nbsp; The capacitors have a band on them with a negative sign indicating which lead is the negative one.&nbsp; Also, the negative lead is shorter than the positive lead.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7Taw8wXLc8/T-0Ek99idUI/AAAAAAAAAAk/m6agSJj9HM4/s1600/_DSC0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7Taw8wXLc8/T-0Ek99idUI/AAAAAAAAAAk/m6agSJj9HM4/s320/_DSC0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Here's the board with all the new capacitors installed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfCOrtaCWHE/T-0E1r_i2MI/AAAAAAAAAAs/riA4mIJ5I64/s1600/_DSC0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfCOrtaCWHE/T-0E1r_i2MI/AAAAAAAAAAs/riA4mIJ5I64/s320/_DSC0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I just put it back together and plugged it in to try it out.&nbsp; It's working great!&nbsp; A fun way to save $200!Randyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04137355181400112600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8904737321749619248.post-4284908959030592272012-06-28T05:42:00.000-06:002012-06-28T08:59:57.622-06:00Ooey GooeyMy next animation--with no socks involved. &nbsp;Caden and I made this movie. &nbsp;Caden set up the train track and provided the audio, and I animated &nbsp;it. &nbsp;I hope to make some more of these (and more sock movies too!)<br /><div><br /></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cba12EvXky8" width="420"></iframe>Colinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10094878862580064342noreply@blogger.com0